Connector device

ABSTRACT

A connector device for connecting to one or more pipes. The connector device having one or more arms with static and flexible portions. The connector device connects pipes or other types of tubing by inserting the arms of the connector device into the openings of the tubing. A flexibility of the flexible portions enables the connector device to accommodate varying dimensions of inside diameter of pipes or tubing and to provide a friction fit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF SEQUENCE LISTING PROVIDED AS A TEXT FILE

Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection by the author thereof. Thecopyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyoneof the patent document or patent disclosure for the purposes ofreferencing as patent prior art, as it appears in the Patent andTrademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE RELEVANT PRIOR ART

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to connectingdevices. More particularly, certain embodiments of the invention relateto a connector with one or more flexible portions.

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof,to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. It isbelieved that internal connectors for pipes are often too loose or tootight due to manufacturing process variances in the internal diameter ofthe connected pipes, as many internal connectors do not accommodatethese variances. In addition, internal connectors are typically moreexpensive than currently available external connectors due to thecomplexity of their manufacture. Thus, external connectors are oftenused to connect pipes rather than internal connectors. Some may findthat external connectors do not produce an aesthetically pleasingjunction.

By way of educational background, an aspect of the related technologygenerally useful to be aware of is that while pipe connectors arecurrently available for internal insertion in pipes for structuralpurposes, it is believed that such connectors may not satisfactorilyaccount for the variance in the inside diameters of pipes and tubes andthat such connectors may be prohibitively expensive to manufacture. Forexample, many existing connectors require a multiplicity of parts thatmay complicate assembly and may require multiple diverse steps ofmanufacture.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniquesare not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of an exemplary connector withflexible portions, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary connector connected to pipes, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is aperspective side view, and FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic front view;

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of an exemplary three-way connectorcomprising arms with T-shaped cross sections, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of an exemplary three-way connectorcomprising arms with W-shaped cross sections, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is perspective side view of an exemplary three-way connectorcomprising arms with substantially round cross sections, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of an exemplary three-way connectorcomprising arms with H-shaped cross sections, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention

FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of an exemplary five-way connectorcomprising arms with V-shaped cross sections, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of an exemplary five-way connectorcomprising multiple flexible fingers on each arm, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of an exemplary five-way connectorwith a complex arrangement of static protrusions and flexible fins oneach arm, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of an exemplary five-way connectorcomprising rounded flexible fins, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective side view of an exemplary two-way connectorwith a V-shaped cross section, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an exemplary perspective and frontal viewsrespectfully of a 5-way connector, and

FIG. 13 is a perspective side view of an exemplary connector with thinflexible or breakable portions in lieu of gaps, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailedfigures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to theFigures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these figures isfor explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled inthe art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention,recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, dependingupon the needs of the particular application, to implement thefunctionality of any given detail described herein, beyond theparticular implementation choices in the following embodiments describedand shown. That is, there are modifications and variations of theinvention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within thescope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as pluraland vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, whereappropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply thatthe two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturingtechniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be notedthat as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is areference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof knownto those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a referenceto “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or meansand may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions usedare to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, theword “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical“or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the contextclearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to beunderstood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.Language that may be construed to express approximation should be sounderstood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All words of approximation as used in the present disclosure and claimsshould be construed to mean “approximate,” rather than “perfect,” andmay accordingly be employed as a meaningful modifier to any other word,specified parameter, quantity, quality, or concept. Words ofapproximation, include, yet are not limited to terms such as“substantial”, “nearly”, “almost”, “about”, “generally”, “largely”,“essentially”, “closely approximate”, etc.

As will be established in some detail below, it is well settle law ?, asearly as 1939, that words of approximation are not indefinite in theclaims even when such limits are not defined or specified in thespecification.

For example, see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App.1941) where the court said “The examiner has held that most of theclaims are inaccurate because apparently the laminar film will not beentirely eliminated. The claims specify that the film is “substantially”eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believed that the slightportion of the film which may remain is negligible. We are of the view,therefore, that the claims may be regarded as sufficiently accurate.”

Note that claims need only “reasonably apprise those skilled in the art”as to their scope to satisfy the definiteness requirement. See EnergyAbsorption Sys., Inc. v. Roadway Safety Servs., Inc., Civ. App. 96-1264,slip op. at 10 (Fed. Cir. Jul. 3, 1997) (unpublished) Hybridtech v.Monoclonal Antibodies, Inc., 802 F.2d 1367, 1385, 231 USPQ 81, 94 (Fed.Cir. 1986), cert. denied, 480 U.S. 947 (1987). In addition, the use ofmodifiers in the claim, like “generally” and “substantial,” does not byitself render the claims indefinite. See Seattle Box Co. v. IndustrialCrating & Packing, Inc., 731 F.2d 818, 828-29, 221 USPQ 568, 575-76(Fed. Cir. 1984).

Moreover, the ordinary and customary meaning of terms like“substantially” includes “reasonably close to: nearly, almost, about”,connoting a term of approximation. See In re Frye, Appeal No.2009-006013, 94 USPQ2d 1072, 1077, 2010 WL 889747 (B.P.A.I. 2010)Depending on its usage, the word “substantially” can denote eitherlanguage of approximation or language of magnitude. Deering PrecisionInstruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distribution Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314,1323 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (recognizing the “dual ordinary meaning of th[e]term [“substantially”] as connoting a term of approximation or a term ofmagnitude”). Here, when referring to the “substantially halfway”limitation, the Specification uses the word “approximately” as asubstitute for the word “substantially” (Fact 4). (Fact 4). The ordinarymeaning of “substantially halfway” is thus reasonably close to or nearlyat the midpoint between the forwardmost point of the upper or outsoleand the rearwardmost point of the upper or outsole.

Similarly, the term ‘substantially’ is well recognize in case law tohave the dual ordinary meaning of connoting a term of approximation or aterm of magnitude. See Dana Corp. v. American Axle & Manufacturing,Inc., Civ. App. 04-1116, 2004 U.S. App. LEXIS 18265, *13-14 (Fed. Cir.Aug. 27, 2004) (unpublished). The term “substantially” is commonly usedby claim drafters to indicate approximation. See Cordis Corp. v.Medtronic AVE Inc., 339 F.3d 1352, 1360 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (“The patentsdo not set out any numerical standard by which to determine whether thethickness of the wall surface is ‘substantially uniform.’ The term‘substantially,’ as used in this context, denotes approximation. Thus,the walls must be of largely or approximately uniform thickness.”); seealso Deering Precision Instruments, LLC v. Vector Distribution Sys.,Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 1322 (Fed. Cir. 2003); Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v.Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022, 1031 (Fed. Cir. 2002). We findthat the term “substantially” was used in just such a manner in theclaims of the patents-in-suit: “substantially uniform wall thickness”denotes a wall thickness with approximate uniformity.

It should also be noted that such words of approximation as contemplatedin the foregoing clearly limits the scope of claims such as saying‘generally parallel’ such that the adverb ‘generally’ does not broadenthe meaning of parallel. Accordingly, it is well settled that such wordsof approximation as contemplated in the foregoing (e.g., like the phrase‘generally parallel’) envisions some amount of deviation from perfection(e.g., not exactly parallel), and that such words of approximation ascontemplated in the foregoing are descriptive terms commonly used inpatent claims to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specifiedparameter. To the extent that the plain language of the claims relyingon such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing areclear and uncontradicted by anything in the written description hereinor the figures thereof, it is improper to rely upon the present writtendescription, the figures, or the prosecution history to add limitationsto any of the claim of the present invention with respect to such wordsof approximation as contemplated in the foregoing. That is, under suchcircumstances, relying on the written description and prosecutionhistory to reject the ordinary and customary meanings of the wordsthemselves is impermissible. See, for example, Liquid Dynamics Corp. v.Vaughan Co., 355 F.3d 1361, 69 USPQ2d 1595, 1600-01 (Fed. Cir. 2004).The plain language of phrase 2 requires a “substantial helical flow.”The term “substantial” is a meaningful modifier implying “approximate,”rather than “perfect.” In Cordis Corp. v. Medtronic AVE, Inc., 339 F.3d1352, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2003), the district court imposed a precisenumeric constraint on the term “substantially uniform thickness.” Wenoted that the proper interpretation of this term was “of largely orapproximately uniform thickness” unless something in the prosecutionhistory imposed the “clear and unmistakable disclaimer” needed fornarrowing beyond this simple-language interpretation. Id. In Anchor WallSystems v. Rockwood Retaining Walls, Inc., 340 F.3d 1298, 1311 (Fed.Cir. 2003)” Id. at 1311. Similarly, the plain language of claim 1requires neither a perfectly helical flow nor a flow that returnsprecisely to the center after one rotation (a limitation that arisesonly as a logical consequence of requiring a perfectly helical flow).

The reader should appreciate that case law generally recognizes a dualordinary meaning of such words of approximation, as contemplated in theforegoing, as connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude;e.g., see Deering Precision Instruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distrib. Sys.,Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 68 USPQ2d 1716, 1721 (Fed. Cir. 2003), cert.denied, 124 S. Ct. 1426 (2004) where the court was asked to construe themeaning of the term “substantially” in a patent claim. Also see Epcon,279 F.3d at 1031 (“The phrase ‘substantially constant’ denotes languageof approximation, while the phrase ‘substantially below’ signifieslanguage of magnitude, i.e., not insubstantial.”). Also, see, e.g.,Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v. Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022 (Fed.Cir. 2002) (construing the terms “substantially constant” and“substantially below”); Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. v. Hoffinger Indus.,Inc., 206 F.3d 1408 (Fed. Cir. 2000) (construing the term “substantiallyinward”); York Prods., Inc. v. Cent. Tractor Farm & Family Ctr., 99 F.3d1568 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially the entireheight thereof”); Tex. Instruments Inc. v. Cypress Semiconductor Corp.,90 F.3d 1558 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially in thecommon plane”). In conducting their analysis, the court instructed tobegin with the ordinary meaning of the claim terms to one of ordinaryskill in the art. Prima Tek, 318 F.3d at 1148. Reference to dictionariesand our cases indicates that the term “substantially” has numerousordinary meanings. As the district court stated, “substantially” canmean “significantly” or “considerably.” The term “substantially” canalso mean “largely” or “essentially.” Webster's New 20th CenturyDictionary 1817 (1983).

Words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, may also beused in phrases establishing approximate ranges or limits, where the endpoints are inclusive and approximate, not perfect; e.g., see AK SteelCorp. v. Sollac, 344 F.3d 1234, 68 USPQ2d 1280, 1285 (Fed. Cir. 2003)where it where the court said [W]e conclude that the ordinary meaning ofthe phrase “up to about 10%” includes the “about 10%” endpoint. Aspointed out by AK Steel, when an object of the preposition “up to” isnonnumeric, the most natural meaning is to exclude the object (e.g.,painting the wall up to the door). On the other hand, as pointed out bySollac, when the object is a numerical limit, the normal meaning is toinclude that upper numerical limit (e.g., counting up to ten, seatingcapacity for up to seven passengers). Because we have here a numericallimit—“about 10%”—the ordinary meaning is that that endpoint isincluded.

In the present specification and claims, a goal of employment of suchwords of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, is to avoid astrict numerical boundary to the modified specified parameter, assanctioned by Pall Corp. v. Micron Separations, Inc., 66 F.3d 1211,1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229 (Fed. Cir. 1995) where it states “It is wellestablished that when the term “substantially” serves reasonably todescribe the subject matter so that its scope would be understood bypersons in the field of the invention, and to distinguish the claimedsubject matter from the prior art, it is not indefinite.” Likewise seeVerve LLC v. Crane Cams Inc., 311 F.3d 1116, 65 USPQ2d 1051, 1054 (Fed.Cir. 2002). Expressions such as “substantially” are used in patentdocuments when warranted by the nature of the invention, in order toaccommodate the minor variations that may be appropriate to secure theinvention. Such usage may well satisfy the charge to “particularly pointout and distinctly claim” the invention, 35 U.S.C. §112, and indeed maybe necessary in order to provide the inventor with the benefit of hisinvention. In Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847 F.2d 819, 821-22,6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) the court explained that usagessuch as “substantially equal” and “closely approximate” may serve todescribe the invention with precision appropriate to the technology andwithout intruding on the prior art. The court again explained in EcolabInc. v. Envirochem, Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 1367, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179(Fed. Cir. 2001) that “like the term ‘about,’ the term ‘substantially’is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to avoid a strictnumerical boundary to the specified parameter,” see Ecolab Inc. v.Envirochem Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179 (Fed. Cir. 2001)where the court found that the use of the term “substantially” to modifythe term “uniform” does not render this phrase so unclear such thatthere is no means by which to ascertain the claim scope.

Similarly, other courts have noted that like the term “about,” the term“substantially” is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to“avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter.”; e.g.,see Pall Corp. v. Micron Seps., 66 F.3d 1211, 1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229(Fed. Cir. 1995); see, e.g., Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847F.2d 819, 821-22, 6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) (noting thatterms such as “approach each other,” “close to,” “substantially equal,”and “closely approximate” are ubiquitously used in patent claims andthat such usages, when serving reasonably to describe the claimedsubject matter to those of skill in the field of the invention, and todistinguish the claimed subject matter from the prior art, have beenaccepted in patent examination and upheld by the courts). In this case,“substantially” avoids the strict 100% nonuniformity boundary.

Indeed, the foregoing sanctioning of such words of approximation, ascontemplated in the foregoing, has been established as early as 1939,see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App. 1941) where,for example, the court said “the claims specify that the film is“substantially” eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believedthat the slight portion of the film which may remain is negligible. Weare of the view, therefore, that the claims may be regarded assufficiently accurate.” Similarly, In re Hutchison, 104 F.2d 829, 42USPQ 90, 93 (C.C.P.A. 1939) the court said “It is realized that“substantial distance” is a relative and somewhat indefinite term, orphrase, but terms and phrases of this character are not uncommon inpatents in cases where, according to the art involved, the meaning canbe determined with reasonable clearness.”

Hence, for at least the forgoing reason, Applicants submit that it isimproper for any examiner to hold as indefinite any claims of thepresent patent that employ any words of approximation.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods,techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods,techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein may be used in the practice or testing of the presentinvention. Structures described herein are to be understood also torefer to functional equivalents of such structures. The presentinvention will be described in detail below with reference toembodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

References to a “device,” an “apparatus,” a “system,” etc., in thepreamble of a claim should be construed broadly to mean “any structuremeeting the claim terms” exempt for any specific structure(s)/type(s)that has/(have) been explicitly disavowed or excluded oradmitted/implied as prior art in the present specification or incapableof enabling an object/aspect/goal of the invention. Furthermore, wherethe present specification discloses an object, aspect, function, goal,result, or advantage of the invention that a specific prior artstructure and/or method step is similarly capable of performing yet in avery different way, the present invention disclosure is intended to andshall also implicitly include and cover additional correspondingalternative embodiments that are otherwise identical to that explicitlydisclosed except that they exclude such prior art structure(s)/step(s),and shall accordingly be deemed as providing sufficient disclosure tosupport a corresponding negative limitation in a claim claiming suchalternative embodiment(s), which exclude such very different prior artstructure(s)/step(s) way(s).

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modificationswill be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations andmodifications may involve equivalent and other features which arealready known in the art, and which may be used instead of or inaddition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particularcombinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of thedisclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature orany novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly orimplicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates tothe same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or notit mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does thepresent invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments mayalso be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely,various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of asingle embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitablesubcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may beformulated to such features and/or combinations of such features duringthe prosecution of the present Application or of any further Applicationderived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,”“various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “embodiments of theinvention,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the inventionso described may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but not every possible embodiment of the inventionnecessarily includes the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,”or “in an exemplary embodiment,” “an embodiment,” do not necessarilyrefer to the same embodiment, although they may. Moreover, any use ofphrases like “embodiments” in connection with “the invention” are nevermeant to characterize that all embodiments of the invention must includethe particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and should insteadbe understood to mean “at least some embodiments of the invention”includes the stated particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

References to “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, may mean ahuman or non-human user thereof. Moreover, “user”, or any similar term,as used herein, unless expressly stipulated otherwise, is contemplatedto mean users at any stage of the usage process, to include, withoutlimitation, direct user(s), intermediate user(s), indirect user(s), andend user(s). The meaning of “user”, or any similar term, as used herein,should not be otherwise inferred or induced by any pattern(s) ofdescription, embodiments, examples, or referenced prior-art that may (ormay not) be provided in the present patent.

References to “end user”, or any similar term, as used herein, aregenerally intended to mean late stage user(s) as opposed to early stageuser(s). Hence, it is contemplated that there may be a multiplicity ofdifferent types of “end user” near the end stage of the usage process.Where applicable, especially with respect to distribution channels ofembodiments of the invention comprising consumed retailproducts/services thereof (as opposed to sellers/vendors or OriginalEquipment Manufacturers), examples of an “end user” may include, withoutlimitation, a “consumer”, “buyer”, “customer”, “purchaser”, “shopper”,“enjoyer”, “viewer”, or individual person or non-human thing benefitingin any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, or interaction with,some aspect of the present invention.

In some situations, some embodiments of the present invention mayprovide beneficial usage to more than one stage or type of usage in theforegoing usage process. In such cases where multiple embodimentstargeting various stages of the usage process are described, referencesto “end user”, or any similar term, as used therein, are generallyintended to not include the user that is the furthest removed, in theforegoing usage process, from the final user therein of an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Where applicable, especially with respect to retail distributionchannels of embodiments of the invention, intermediate user(s) mayinclude, without limitation, any individual person or non-human thingbenefiting in any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, orinteraction with, some aspect of the present invention with respect toselling, vending, Original Equipment Manufacturing, marketing,merchandising, distributing, service providing, and the like thereof.

References to “person”, “individual”, “human”, “a party”, “animal”,“creature”, or any similar term, as used herein, even if the context orparticular embodiment implies living user, maker, or participant, itshould be understood that such characterizations are sole by way ofexample, and not limitation, in that it is contemplated that any suchusage, making, or participation by a living entity in connection withmaking, using, and/or participating, in any way, with embodiments of thepresent invention may be substituted by such similar performed by asuitably configured non-living entity, to include, without limitation,automated machines, robots, humanoids, computational systems,information processing systems, artificially intelligent systems, andthe like. It is further contemplated that those skilled in the art willreadily recognize the practical situations where such living makers,users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention maybe in whole, or in part, replaced with such non-living makers, users,and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention. Likewise,when those skilled in the art identify such practical situations wheresuch living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of thepresent invention may be in whole, or in part, replaced with suchnon-living makers, it will be readily apparent in light of the teachingsof the present invention how to adapt the described embodiments to besuitable for such non-living makers, users, and/or participants withembodiments of the present invention. Thus, the invention is thus toalso cover all such modifications, equivalents, and alternatives fallingwithin the spirit and scope of such adaptations and modifications, atleast in part, for such non-living entities.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken aslimiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of theitems are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/orparameter names are for example only and not meant to imply anylimitations on the invention. The invention may thus be implemented withdifferent nomenclature/terminology utilized to describe themechanisms/units/structures/components/devices/parameters herein,without limitation. Each term utilized herein is to be given itsbroadest interpretation given the context in which that term isutilized.

Terminology. The following paragraphs provide definitions and/or contextfor terms found in this disclosure (including the appended claims):

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims,this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider aclaim that recites: “A memory controller comprising a system cache . . .” Such a claim does not foreclose the memory controller from includingadditional components (e.g., a memory channel unit, a switch).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may bedescribed or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In suchcontexts, “configured to” or “operable for” is used to connote structureby indicating that the mechanisms/units/circuits/components includestructure (e.g., circuitry and/or mechanisms) that performs the task ortasks during operation. As such, the mechanisms/unit/circuit/componentcan be said to be configured to (or be operable) for perform(ing) thetask even when the specified mechanisms/unit/circuit/component is notcurrently operational (e.g., is not on). Themechanisms/units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” or“operable for” language include hardware—for example, mechanisms,structures, electronics, circuits, memory storing program instructionsexecutable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that amechanism/unit/circuit/component is “configured to” or “operable for”perform(ing) one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35U.S.C. sctn.112, sixth paragraph, for thatmechanism/unit/circuit/component. “Configured to” may also includeadapting a manufacturing process to fabricate devices or components thatare adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or morefactors that affect a determination. This term does not forecloseadditional factors that may affect a determination. That is, adetermination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least inpart, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.”While B may be a factor that affects the determination of A, such aphrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being basedon C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing conditions,concentrations, dimensions, and so forth used in the specification andclaims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, thenumerical parameters set forth in the following specification andattached claims are approximations that may vary depending at least upona specific analytical technique.

The term “comprising,” which is synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by” is inclusive or open-ended and doesnot exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising”is a term of art used in claim language which means that the named claimelements are essential, but other claim elements may be added and stillform a construct within the scope of the claim.

As used herein, the phase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, oringredient not specified in the claim. When the phrase “consists of” (orvariations thereof) appears in a clause of the body of a claim, ratherthan immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element setforth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim asa whole. As used herein, the phase “consisting essentially of” and“consisting of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified elements ormethod steps, plus those that do not materially affect the basis andnovel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter (see Norian Corp.v Stryker Corp., 363 F.3d 1321, 1331-32, 70 USPQ2d 1508, Fed. Cir.2004). Moreover, for any claim of the present invention which claims anembodiment “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” a certain setof elements of any herein described embodiment it shall be understood asobvious by those skilled in the art that the present invention alsocovers all possible varying scope variants of any describedembodiment(s) that are each exclusively (i.e., “consisting essentiallyof”) functional subsets or functional combination thereof such that eachof these plurality of exclusive varying scope variants each consistsessentially of any functional subset(s) and/or functional combination(s)of any set of elements of any described embodiment(s) to the exclusionof any others not set forth therein. That is, it is contemplated that itwill be obvious to those skilled how to create a multiplicity ofalternate embodiments of the present invention that simply consistingessentially of a certain functional combination of elements of anydescribed embodiment(s) to the exclusion of any others not set forththerein, and the invention thus covers all such exclusive embodiments asif they were each described herein.

With respect to the terms “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “consistingessentially of,” where one of these three terms is used herein, thepresently disclosed and claimed subject matter may include the use ofeither of the other two terms. Thus in some embodiments not otherwiseexplicitly recited, any instance of “comprising” may be replaced by“consisting of” or, alternatively, by “consisting essentially of”, andthus, for the purposes of claim support and construction for “consistingof” format claims, such replacements operate to create yet otheralternative embodiments “consisting essentially of” only the elementsrecited in the original “comprising” embodiment to the exclusion of allother elements.

Devices or system modules that are in at least general communicationwith each other need not be in continuous communication with each other,unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or systemmodules that are in at least general communication with each other maycommunicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communicationwith each other does not imply that all such components are required. Onthe contrary a variety of optional components are described toillustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the presentinvention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerationsand compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimalmanufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and inparticular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercialimplementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of thepresent invention may configured according to the needs of theparticular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s),result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachingsrelated to any described embodiment of the present invention may besuitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improvedand/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skillsand known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation thataddresses the needs of the particular application.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions orparticular construction materials indicated herein are solely providedas examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to belimiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particularapplication, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in lightof the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternativeimplementation details.

An embodiment of the present invention may provide a connectorcomprising one or more arms with flexible portions. Some embodiments maybe used to connect pipes or other types of tubing by inserting the armsof the connector into the openings of the tubing. In some embodimentsthe flexibility of the flexible portions may enable the connector toaccommodate the varying dimensions of the inside diameter of pipe ortubing to provide a friction fit. Furthermore, some embodiments may beproduced in a cost-effective manner.

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of an exemplary connector 101 withflexible portions 105, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. In the present embodiment, connector 101 comprises a core 110with three base surfaces 115 from which arms 120 extend. Those skilledin the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance withthe teachings of the present invention, that some embodiments may beimplemented with fewer or more arms extending from the core, forexample, without limitation, the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 7through 11. In the present embodiment, base surfaces 115 may haveoutside diameters that match the outside diameter of a connecting pipein order to provide a smooth connection between core 110 and theconnecting pipe. It is contemplated that some embodiments may not beconfigured in a manner in which the outside diameter of the base surfacematches the outer diameter of the connecting pipe. Furthermore, someembodiments may comprise more or fewer arms extending from the core. Inthe present embodiment, arms 120 may be U-shaped and each comprise astatic projection 125 attached to the base surface and at least oneflexible portion 105 attached on the side of the static projection. Insome embodiments, a U-shaped arm may comprise two flexible portionsattached to one static projection or protrusion where the two flexibleportions extend out of each side of the static projection. In thepresent embodiment, each flexible portion 105 may protrude along a lineof attachment 130 with one of static projections 125 and may beunattached at base surface 115, as shown by a gap 135 between flexibleportion 105 and base surface 115. The gap allows the flexible portion tobend within the inside walls of the connecting pipe to create a frictionfit between the arm and the connecting pipe. Flexible portion 105 isshown being completely unattached to base surface 115; however, it iscontemplated that in some embodiments the flexible portion may beconnected minimally or partially to the base surface to stiffen thebending of some part of the flexible portion creating a strongerfriction fit between the arms and the connecting pipe. For example,without limitation, referring to FIG. 7, the flexible portion may beconnected to the base surface for a short distance from the connectionof the flexible portion to the static protrusion, and in FIG. 13, theflexible portion may be connected with a thin portion of greaterflexibility or of breakability. In the present embodiment, line ofattachment 130 may be parallel to the long axis of arm 120. Flexibleportions 105 may extend outward farther than static projections 125 suchthat flexible portions 105 may extend beyond the inner diameter of aconnecting pipe. The flexibility of flexible portions 105 may enableflexible portions 105 to bend around line of attachment 130 toaccommodate varying inside diameters of connecting pipes whilemaintaining a friction fit that may hold said pipes firmly to connector101.

In the present embodiment, connector 101 may be made of various formablematerials, including, without limitation, plastics and metals thatretain elasticity when bent in order to maintain a friction fit with theinterior wall of an inserted pipe. For example, without limitation,connector 101 may be manufactured with plastic materials such as, butnot limited to, PVC or ABS to coordinate with common pipe materials.Connector 101 may also be made of other materials, including, but notlimited to natural or synthetic rubber materials, wood, compositematerials, metals such as aluminum, copper, iron, or steel, etc. It iscontemplated that a cost effective method of manufacture for connector101 may be to use a two-part mold to form connector 101 through casting,injection molding, forming, etc. This two-part mold method ofmanufacture may be easily performed for connectors with arms extendingin one or two axes (single plane). In cases where the connector armsextend in all three axes (two planes), one or both mold halves maycomprise one or more cams to create the gap between the flexibleportions of the arms and the core. Alternately, this gap may be createdby removing material in a post-mold process. It is believed that byusing a simple two-part mold, the connector may be manufactured at alower cost than traditional external connectors and many currentlyavailable internal connectors. Furthermore, in many embodiments theconnector may be made of a single piece of material. Some embodimentsmay be manufactured using a multiplicity of suitable methods. Forexample, without limitation, some embodiments made of plastic materialssuch as, but not limited to, PLA or ABS may be made using additive (3-Dprinting) technology. Other embodiments may be made using methodsincluding, without limitation, machining, joining (i.e. welding),casting, forming (i.e. stamping, pressing), etc. Some embodiments may bemade of a combination of materials. For example, without limitation, onesuch embodiment may comprise a wooden core with plastic arms.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary connector 201 connected to pipes205 and 210, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2A is a perspective side view, and FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic frontview. In the present embodiment, connector 201 comprises three arms 215.One arm 215 is shown empty. Another arm 215 is shown fully inserted intopipe 205 to illustrate that pipe 205 may smoothly flow into a core 220of connector 201. It is believed that by inserting arm 215 of connector201 into pipe 205, the connection between connector 201 and pipe 205 mayappear invisible for an aesthetically pleasing connection. A third arm215 is shown partially inserted into pipe 210 to illustrate how aflexible portion 225 of arm 215 may bend to fit inside pipe 210. Unlikestatic projections 230 of arm 215, which are connected to core 220, agap 235 may be left between flexible portion 225 and core 220 to helpenable flexible portion 225 to bend. In the present embodiment, flexibleportion 225 may extend beyond the inside diameter (ID) of pipe 210.Thus, with flexible portion 225 typically able to bend inwardly andradially around the line of attachment between flexible portion 225 anda static projection 230, connector 201 may accommodate varying insidediameters of pipes, holes and tubes, allowing for the complete insertionof arm 215 when pipes are of smaller diameter than the nominal and yetretaining connection for a secure fit when pipes are of larger diameterthan nominal. It is believed that connector 201 may create a secure fitwith pipe 210 since flexible portion 225, which may deform inward wheninserted into pipe 210, typically maintains constant pressure on theinside wall of pipe 210 while the long edges of static projections 230may also exert pressure on the inside wall of pipe 210.

In typical use of the present embodiment, up to three pipes may beeasily connected in an aesthetically pleasing manner without the needfor tools or separate parts for installation. It is contemplated thatsome embodiments may comprise more or fewer arms to connect virtuallyany number of pipes. While the embodiments described in the foregoingare shown as internal pipe connectors for structural construction, thoseskilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordancewith the teachings of the present invention, that some embodiments maybe applied in other applications in which two items are to be attachedby inserting something into a hole. For example, without limitation,some embodiments may be used as a bookshelf shelf supporter that isinserted into a hole in the side of a bookshelf to hold the shelf up.Other embodiments may be used as a plug to fill an empty hole or as anattachment on the end of a pole or a cap on a pipe. In some applicationsan adhesive may also be used to make the connection permanent. Yet otherembodiments may be used as an adapter to add a wheel into a hole or toadd other types of items into a hole such as, but not limited to,handles, light fixtures, hooks, finials, etc. Yet other embodiments maybe used to connect various different types of tubing other than roundpipes including, without limitation, square tubing, corrugated pipe,flexible tubing, hoses, conduit, etc. Some embodiments may be used in awide variety of industries and applications including, withoutlimitation, construction, art, home improvement, do-it-yourself (DIY)projects, interior decorating, crafts, toys, etc.

Several alternate arm configurations for connectors with flexibleportions extending from one or more inflexible projections areillustrated by way of example in the following descriptions. In theseembodiments, the connector core may comprise one or more base surfacesin the shape of the cross-section of a connecting pipe. One or morestatic projections may extend outwardly from these base surfaces. One ormore of these static projections may be connected to one or moreflexible portions. The flexible portions may be able to bend as theconnector is inserted into a pipe to accommodate variations in theinside diameter of the pipe, creating a friction fit in combination withthe static projection(s).

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of an exemplary three-way connector301 comprising arms 305 with T-shaped cross sections, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, arms305 each comprise two static projections 310 and one flexible portion315. Gaps 320 between flexible portions 315 and a core 325 of connector301 may enable flexible portions 315 to bend along axes of connection330 between flexible portions 315 and static projections 310. In somealternate embodiments the T-shaped arms may comprise one staticprojection and two flexible portions.

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of an exemplary three-way connector401 comprising arms 405 with W-shaped cross sections, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, arms405 each comprise three static projections 410 and one flexible portion415 separated from a core 420 by gaps 425. It is contemplated that someembodiments may comprise more than one flexible portion per arm.

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of an exemplary three-way connector501 comprising arms 505 with substantially round cross sections, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the presentembodiment, arms 505 each comprise one static projection 510 connectedto a core 515 of connector 501 and one flexible portion 520. A gap 525separates each flexible portion 520 from core 515.

FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of an exemplary three-way connector601 comprising arms 605 with H-shaped cross sections, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, arms605 each comprise one static projection 610 in the shape of a crossconnected to a core 615 of connector 601 and four flexible portions 620.Flexible portions may be separated from core 615 by gaps 625.

FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of an exemplary five-way connector 701comprising arms 705 with V-shaped cross sections, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, arms 705protrude from a core 710 and each comprise one static protrusion 715from which one flexible portion 720 may extend at an angle such thatflexible portion 720 may intersect the wall of the pipe to be connectedat an angle other than 90°. Flexible portion 720 may also be long enoughto protrude beyond the space which may be defined by the inside diameter(ID) of the connected pipe so that flexible portion may bend toaccommodate the pipe. Flexible portion 720 may be separated from core710 by a gap 725 which may enable flexible portion 720 to bend inwardsas arm 705 is inserted into a pipe, creating a friction fit between thepipe and connector 701.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention, that theflexible portions of the connector arms do not necessarily need to be asimple plane and may be implemented in a multiplicity of suitable shapessuch as, but not limited to, the round arms described by way of examplein the foregoing in reference to FIG. 5, a set of multiple projectionsor fingers as shown by way of example in FIG. 8, static projectionscomprising multiple fins as shown by way of example in FIG. 9 and FIG.10, etc.

FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of an exemplary five-way connector 801comprising multiple flexible fingers 805 on each arm 810, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment,flexible fingers 805 may extend from static projections 815 and may beseparated from each other by gaps 820. This may enable flexible fingers805 to bend independently to accommodate variations in the insidediameter of a connected pipe.

FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of an exemplary five-way connector 901with a complex arrangement of inflexible protrusions 905 and flexiblefins 910 on each arm 915, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. In the present embodiment, a core 920 comprises fivearms 915, each of which may have a total of eight static protrusions 905and eight flexible fins 910. Some finned embodiments may be implementedwith various different numbers of static protrusions and flexible finsin a multiplicity of suitable configurations. In the present embodiment,connector 901 may be made using mold manufacturing, which may enableconnector 901 to be made more inexpensively than many currentlyavailable connectors. In addition, connector 901 may be manufactured invarious different materials including, without limitation, plastics,metals, wood, composite materials, rubber, etc. In typical use of thepresent embodiment, connector 901 may be easy to use, as the multiplethin, flexible fins 910 may provide appropriate resistance to bend toadapt to variations in the inside diameter of connected pipes whileholding the pipes in place.

FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of an exemplary five-way connector1001 comprising rounded flexible fins 1005, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, flexiblefins 1005 are connected to static protrusions 1010 at anglessubstantially perpendicular to the axes of static protrusions 1010rather than parallel with the axes. The rounded shape of flexible fins1005 may enable flexible fins 1005 to fit into a pipe being connectedwhile the flexibility of fins 1005 may enable fins to bend in order toaccommodate variations in the inside diameter of the pipe.

FIG. 11 is a perspective side view of an exemplary two-way connector1101 with a V-shaped cross section, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention. In the present embodiment, connector 1101 mayfunction as a coupler to connect two pipes together. Connector 1101comprises one rigid portion 1105 and two flexible portions 1110separated by a gap 1115. Gap 1115 may enable flexible portions 1110 tobend when inserted into a pipe. It is contemplated that some alternateembodiments may be implemented as two-way connectors with variousdifferent cross sections including, without limitation, U-shaped crosssections, T-shaped cross sections, rounded cross sections, finned crosssections, etc. In typical use of the present embodiment, connector 1101may be inserted into one pipe, with the inserted flexible portion 1110bending inwards to accommodate variations in the inside diameter of thepipe, leaving the other flexible portion 1110 unbent and extendingbeyond the inside diameter of the pipe, thereby acting as a stop whenconnector 1101 is fully inserted into the pipe. As the second pipe isinserted on the exposed end of connector 1101, the second flexibleportion 1110 begins to bend at its distal end to accommodate the secondpipe, allowing the second pipe to slide along connector 1101 until thetwo pipes come together, at which point the second flexible portion 1110may be fully bent along its length, thereby no longer functioning as astop for the first pipe. At this point, the coupling is complete,typically with no visible exposure of connector 1101. If desired, thepipes can be further attached through a secondary process, such as, butnot limited to, gluing or welding.

FIG. 12A is a perspective side view of an exemplary five-way connector1201 with a tubular shaped cross section, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a core1210 comprises five arms 1215, each of which may be comprised of atubular projection with a gap 1220 along its long axis and portion ofthe tubular projection being separated from the base 1225 by a gap 1230creating a flexible projection 1235 which extends from the staticportion 1240 along a line of attachment 1245, with said flexible portionextending outward from the center of the tubular projection such that itinterferes with the inside of a connection pipe, creating a frictionfit. FIG. 12B is a frontal view of this exemplary connector 1201 showinghow the flexible portion 1235 extends beyond the inside wall of aconnecting pipe to create a friction fit. This example utilizes onetubular projection per arm, but multiple tubular projections are alsopossible implementations.

FIG. 13 is a perspective side view of an exemplary connector 1301 withflexible portions 1305, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. In the present embodiment, connector 1301 comprises a core1310 with three base surfaces 1315 from which arms 1320 extend. Arms1320 may be U-shaped and may each comprise a static projection 1325attached to a base surface 1315 and at least one flexible portion 1305attached to static projection 1325. In the present embodiment, eachflexible portion 1305 may protrude along a line of attachment 1330 withone of static projections 1325 and may be attached to a base surface1315 by a thin strip 1335 rather than being disconnected from basesurface 1315 as in some of the embodiments described by way of examplein the foregoing. Strip 1335 may be made of the same material as therest of connector 1301 yet made in a thickness that may enable strip1335 to break upon insertion into a pipe, creating a gap betweenflexible portion 1305 and base surface 1315, or to flex sufficiently soas to typically enable flexible portion 1305 to perform similarly to adisconnected flexible portion. The flexibility of flexible portions 1305may enable flexible portions 1305 to bend around lines of attachment1330 to accommodate varying inside diameters of connecting pipes whilemaintaining a friction fit that may hold said pipes firmly to connector1301. In the present embodiment, connector 1301 may be made of variousformable materials, including, without limitation, plastics and metalsthat retain elasticity when bent, natural or synthetic rubber materials,wood, composite materials, a combination of materials, etc. Thoseskilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordancewith the teachings of the present invention, that the configuration ofthe strip of material connecting the flexible portion of the connectorto the base surface may vary in some embodiments. For example, withoutlimitation, in some embodiments the flexible portion may be connected tothe base surface by multiple thin pieces of material separated by gapsto form something like a perforated connection. In other embodiments thestrip may be made of a different material than the rest of theconnector. In yet other embodiments the strip may extend only part ofthe way along the flexible portion, the strip may be perforated tofacilitate tearing or breaking, the strip may be replaced by a number ofposts connecting the base to the flexible portion, and other variationson the strip that perform similarly may be possible.

In typical use of the present embodiment, up to three pipes may beeasily connected by connector 1301 in an aesthetically pleasing manner.It is believed that by inserting an arm 1320 of connector 1301 into apipe or hole, connector 1301 may create a secure fit with the pipe orhole by maintaining pressure on the inside of the pipe or hole. Sincethin strip 1335 may typically enable flexible portion 1305 to deforminward by breaking or flexing as arm 1320 is inserted into the pipe orhole, this pressure may be created as flexible portion 1305 pushesagainst the inside of the pipe or hole while the long edges of staticprojections 1325 may also exert pressure on the inside wall of the pipeor hole. In some applications an adhesive may also be used to enhancethe connection. As with the embodiments previously described by way ofexample, it is contemplated that some embodiments with flexible portionsconnected to the base may comprise more or fewer arms to connectvirtually any number of pipes or other objects.

The foregoing descriptions dealt mainly with three-way and five-wayconnectors. However, it is contemplated that some embodiments may beimplemented for use as connectors capable of one to many connections.Those embodiments implemented for one connection may be configured tofunction as an end cap or hole plug. Those skilled in the art willreadily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention, that some embodiments may comprise a multiplicityof suitable additional or alternate features such as, but not limitedto, hollow cores, decorative cores, color coding to indicate size ormaterial, recycle notations, etc.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including anyaccompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternativefeatures serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unlessexpressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise,each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series ofequivalent or similar features.

It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC §112 (1), all claims mustbe supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patentspecification, and any material known to those skilled in the art neednot be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC §112 (6) requires thatstructures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35USC §112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification.Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating andsearching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a “mean for”claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6)functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legallyvalid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of“mean for” claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered amultiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specificstructures and elements which are suitable to act as correspondingstructures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claimsthat are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) when such correspondingstructures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patentspecification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s)corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claimsinterpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosedin the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/ornon-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching,Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structuresand related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose ofproviding explicit structures that implement the functional meansclaimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claimsconstruction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowabilityproperly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of thesedocuments discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC§112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/ornon-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searchingand or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) alsoincorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information toidentify all such documents comprising functionally correspondingstructures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into thepresent patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3^(rd)parties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the presentapplication to explicitly include citations to such documents and/orexplicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which wereincorporate by reference above.

Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding tofunctional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that areinterpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosedin the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitlyprescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missingdisclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patentand/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference forthe purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC §112(6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which areincorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC §112 (6) necessarily have afiling and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application,and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in theinstant application.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention,other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a connector withone or more flexible portions according to the present invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the inventionhave been described above by way of illustration, and the specificembodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to theparticular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of theconnector with one or more flexible portions may vary depending upon theparticular context or application. By way of example, and notlimitation, the connectors with one or more flexible portions describedin the foregoing were principally directed to static connectorsimplementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied toconnectors that comprise hinged arms or rotating arms to enable theconnected pipes to pivot or rotate, which implementations of the presentinvention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention.The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the followingclaims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosedembodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy orachieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described inthe foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or letteredsolely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numberingand lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken toindicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b)requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the natureand gist of the technical disclosure. That is, the Abstract is providedmerely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify any key oressential features of the claimed subject matter. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret thescope or meaning of the claims.

The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detaileddescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a connector implement, saidconnector implement comprising at least a core part; a base surface ofsaid connector implement, wherein said base surface comprising aproximate outside diameter that is configured to match a proximateoutside diameter of a connecting pipe; an arm mechanism configured toextend out of said base surface, wherein said arm mechanism comprising;a static projection attached to said base surface; a flexible portionextending on a proximate side of said static projection, in which saidflexible portion comprising at least one or multiple flexible portionsconfigured to extend into an interior wall of said connecting pipe; anda gap or thin part between said base surface and said flexible portion,wherein said gap or thin part between said base surface and saidflexible portion is configured to allow a bending of said flexibleportion in said interior wall of said connecting pipe; and an attachmentline parallel to a long axis of said arm mechanism, wherein saidflexible portion is configured to bend proximately around saidattachment line.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said arm mechanismfurther comprising a proximately U-shaped arm mechanism having at leastone static projection attached to said base surface and at least twoflexible portions extending out on the sides of said static projection.3. The device of claim 2, where said at least two flexible portions arenot attached to said base surface.
 4. The device of claim 1, whereinsaid connector implement is made with a plastic material comprising, atleast one of, a PVC and an ABS.
 5. The device of claim 3, in which saidbase surface comprising at least three base surfaces and in which saidarm mechanism comprising at least three arm mechanisms, where each armmechanism substantially extends out of each of said base surfaces, andwherein said base surface and said arm mechanism are configured toprovide an attachment of at least three connecting pipes, and whereinsaid device is configured as a three-way connector device.
 6. The deviceof claim 1, wherein said arm mechanism further comprising a proximateT-shaped arm mechanism with at least two static projections attached tosaid base surface and at least one flexible portion attached to said atleast two static projections.
 7. The device of claim 2, where said atleast one flexible portion is not attached to said base surface.
 8. Thedevice of claim 7, in which said base surface comprising at least threebase surfaces and in which said arm mechanism comprising at least threearm mechanisms, where each arm mechanism extends out of each of saidbase surfaces and configured to provide an attachment of at least threeconnecting pipes.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein said arm mechanismfurther comprising a proximate W-shaped arm mechanism with at leastthree static projections attached to said base surface and at least oneflexible portion unattached to said base surface.
 10. The device ofclaim 9, in which said base surface comprising at least three basesurfaces and in which said arm mechanism comprising at least three armmechanisms, wherein each arm mechanism extends out of each of said basesurfaces and configured to provide an attachment of at least threeconnecting pipes.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein said arm mechanismfurther comprising a proximate round shaped cross section arm mechanismwith at least one static projection attached to said base surface and atleast one flexible portion unattached to said base surface.
 12. Thedevice of claim 11, in which said base surface comprising at least threebase surfaces and in which said arm mechanism comprising at least threearm mechanisms, where each arm mechanism extends out of each of saidbase surfaces and configured to provide an attachment of at least threeconnecting pipes.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein said arm mechanismfurther comprising a proximate H-shaped arm mechanism with at least onestatic projection attached to said base surface and at least fourflexible portions unattached to said base surface.
 14. The device ofclaim 13, in which said base surface comprising at least three basesurfaces and in which said arm mechanism comprising at least three armmechanisms, wherein each arm mechanism extends out of each of said basesurfaces and configured to provide a three-way pipe connector.
 15. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said arm mechanism further comprising aproximate V-shaped arm mechanism with at least one static projectionattached to said base surface and at least one flexible portionunattached to said base surface.
 16. The device of claim 15, in whichsaid base surface comprising at least five base surfaces and in whichsaid arm mechanism comprising at least five arm mechanisms, where eacharm mechanism extends out of each of said base surfaces configured toprovide an attachment of at least five connecting pipes.
 17. The deviceof claim 1, wherein said arm mechanism further comprising a proximateround shaped arm mechanism with at least one static projection attachedto said base surface and at least multiple flexible fin portions. 18.The device of claim 17, in which said base surface comprising at leastfive base surfaces and in which said arm mechanism comprising at leastfive arm mechanisms, wherein each arm mechanism extends out of each ofsaid base surfaces and configured to provide an attachment of at leastfive connecting pipes.
 19. A device comprising: means for connecting toat least a plurality of connecting pipes; means for maintaining afriction fit with at least one of said plurality of connecting pipes,wherein said friction maintaining means being configured to hold saidconnecting pipe firmly to said device; and means for attaching saidfriction maintaining means to said providing means.
 20. A devicecomprising: a connector implement said connector implement comprising atleast a core part; a base surface of said connector implement, whereinsaid base surface comprising a proximate outside diameter that isconfigured to match a proximate outside diameter of a connecting pipe;an arm mechanism configured to extend out of said base surface, whereinsaid arm mechanism comprising; a static projection attached to said basesurface; a flexible portion extending on a proximate side portion ofsaid static projection, in which said flexible portion comprising atleast one or multiple flexible portions configured to extend into aninterior wall of said connecting pipe; and a gap or thin portion betweensaid base surface and said flexible portion, wherein said gap or thinportion between said base surface and said flexible portion isconfigured to allow a bending of said flexible portion inside saidinterior wall of said connecting pipe; and an attachment line parallelto a long axis of said arm mechanism, wherein said flexible portion isconfigured to bend around said line of attachment being operable toaccommodate varying inside diameters of said connecting pipe.